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24/02/2014

The Musketeers - The Homecoming

BBC1 23/02/14
Written by James Dormer / Directed by Saul Metzstein

It is Porthos’ turn in the spotlight this week. He finds himself accused of
something he claims he is innocent of but is sentenced to…hang on isn’t this
the same plot as D’Artagnan went through? Anyway rather than have him moulder
in a cell he is due to be hanged immediately only to be rescued on his way to
the gallows not by the other Musketeers but by masked vigilantes who reside in
Paris’ Court of Miracles or the Crime Quarter as a modern city would call it.
If you enter this area you’ll be greeted by hundreds of shady looking ragged residents
banging pots and pans, sort of like a carnival without the fun. For an episode
that starts so predictably there is an appealing series of developments leading to a strong climax.

One
advantage is the presence of Saul Metzstein as director; having worked on the
big screen he knows how to evoke the locales he’s depicting so we have the
contrast between the opulence of the royal palace, the dirty, crowded Court of
Miracles and the tidy spacious abode of Emile De Mauvoisin whose son Porthos
purportedly kills. The director is also adapt at making combat scenes look
natural rather than choreographed. Writer James Dormer prefers sparse and to
the point dialogue though it takes some work to convince us that Porthos really
did grow up in such a place. Once again of course none of the other Musketeers
know anything about his past which makes you wonder what they do talk about off
duty. Perhaps they just discuss the Duelling Premier League results.
The episode benefits from a plot that tries to keep us guessing as to the murderer’s
true identity with the fingers pointing in a few directions. There are also
some interesting guest turns from Anton Lesser as De Mauvoison and Ashley
Walters as Charon Porthos’ old friend and rival for the affections of the
oddly named Flea another in an increasing line of strong Parisian women. Both
De Mauvoison and Charon have hidden motives as the plot widens to encompass
city planning and ambitious financial schemes plus good old barrels of dynamite
which seem to be the weapon of choice for antagonists in this city. Perhaps the
authorities need to look more closely at the purchase of dynamite! Hovering in
the back ground is Cardinal Richelieu anxious to raze this part of the city to
the ground.
Placed at the centre of matters, Howard Charles acquits himself well
despite a slightly underwritten story arc while the guesting Ashley Walters
adds a contemporary edge to Charon’s activities. As you might expect though it
is Anton Lesser who steals the show; as De Mauvoison’s story is unveiled he
maintains a nobility and honour that adds gravitas to the role. He’s an actor
who understands the importance of stillness and holds our attention completely.
At this halfway point we’ve now had an introduction and episode centred on each
of the Musketeers. The second half of the season needs to move into mission and
problems they have to sort out rather than unearthing any more secrets from
their pasts if it is to avoid repetition. It remains a hugely watchable, fun
show that is unfortunate to be pitched in the middle of the busiest night of
the week for new shows and has contents that would be better suited to 8 rather
than 9pm.